Learning at Vision Valley

LEARNING PROGRAM

Learning at Vision Valley uses experiential and inter-disciplinary learning to embrace the opportunities afforded by the natural environment, beyond the confines of a rigid timetable, four-walled classrooms, textbooks or screens. The academic component of the Residential Program involves rich curriculum and learning experiences that maximise the use of the Vision Valley site through interdisciplinary and experiential learning.  For each adventurer, the academic program will be a seasonal signature experience. On each evening of Experiential Learning days, students have study time available after dinner until bedtime. 

UNITS OF WORK

Over the four weeks, students explore a range of concepts and skills that enable them to discover more about themselves, each other and the natural world around us. Students become co-constructors of their learning, with units taking inspiration from authentic and real-world experiences with residential life at Vision Valley. The program will be a seasonal, signature experience that is unique to each cohort and students’ individual journey. This contextual learning allows students to link academic concepts to the real world, and to connect more deeply within the intentions of the program.

Lessons may include field studies, research action plans, permaculture, Australian literature and music, shinrin-yoku, traverse theatre, ecological innovations or agriculture. Students also develop a respect for and understanding of First Nations culture, particularly within our Dharug context. Students learn language, seasonal triggers, bush tukka and sustainable fishing practices, while connecting with the land that they live and learn on.

ELECTIVES

 Students also have an opportunity to engage in an Electives Day, where students can choose topics to explore in more depth. Elective topics are focused around Vision Valley, with students undertaking a number of electives depending on the chosen topic. Students will engage in elective sessions for skills, outdoor education, subject-specific lessons, service or off-site excursions, For each of these elective sessions, topics are unique for each program, with seasonality and student interest driving available topics.

Elective skills may include bone carving, power tools, car mechanics, wilderness survival skills, entomology or cooking and dehydrating meals for expeditions. Outdoor education electives provide opportunities for extension of the on-site program, including bouldering, advanced mountain-biking, or undertaking research on the mechanisms of an activity. Students can select up to two subject-specific electives that enhance areas of the curriculum including Visual Arts, Technology, Science, Textiles, Geography or Agriculture.

DULUMI (SERVICE)

The Dharug word ‘Dulumi’ means ‘to give away for nothing’, framing a key component of the Residential Program as giving back to our community, to our land and to ourselves. A focus area of Dulumi is the community permaculture garden that encourages a farm to fork philosophy. Students develop a business proposal for components of the permaculture plot, which is then implemented through sustainable design and construction practices. Within ‘Dulumi’ (Service), there is also option for student choice of service elective, which may include land care, bush regeneration, or engagement with the local community.

VALLEY FESTIVAL - ARTEFACTS OF LEARNING

The Valley Festival is an opportunity for adventurers to showcase artefacts from the Teaching & Learning Program and skills development while at Vision Valley.